1

Horse Rider Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Horse Rider information

See Michigan salary details

$4

$15

$29

How much do horse rider jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for horse rider in Michigan is $15.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.05 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Horse Rider position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horse Rider, you need strong equestrian skills, a good understanding of horse behavior, physical fitness, and often prior experience or training in horseback riding disciplines. Many employers prefer riders who have certifications from organizations such as the British Horse Society (BHS) or United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), and who are familiar with tack and stable management tools. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are vital soft skills for working with both horses and people, such as trainers or owners. These abilities ensure safety, effective training, and high performance in diverse riding environments.

How much do horse riders get paid?

Horse riders' pay varies based on experience, location, and type of employment. Professional equestrians, such as trainers or show riders, can earn from $20,000 to over $100,000 annually, while stable or lesson riders often earn hourly wages between $10 and $20. Certifications and riding skills can influence earning potential.

Can you ride horses if you have scoliosis?

Horse riding as a rider with scoliosis depends on the severity and type of spinal curvature. Many individuals with scoliosis can ride safely with proper medical advice, appropriate riding techniques, and possibly physical therapy to strengthen core muscles. Consulting a healthcare professional before starting or continuing riding is recommended to ensure safety and comfort.

What is a Horse Rider job?

A Horse Rider is a professional who rides and trains horses for various purposes, such as competition, racing, or performance shows. Their duties include exercising horses, improving their skills, and ensuring their well-being. Horse Riders may work in equestrian sports, racing, or entertainment industries. They often collaborate with trainers, owners, and veterinarians to maintain the horse's health and performance. Depending on the role, they may also assist in caring for and grooming horses.

What jobs involve riding horses?

Jobs that involve riding horses include equestrian trainer, riding instructor, stable hand, jockey, and therapeutic riding instructor. These roles typically require riding skills, knowledge of horse care, and sometimes certifications or licenses, depending on the specific job and location.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Horse Rider?

A Horse Rider’s daily responsibilities commonly include grooming and preparing horses, exercising them through riding sessions, and sometimes assisting with training or rehabilitation programs. Riders often work closely with trainers, grooms, and stable managers to ensure horses are fit, healthy, and ready for their respective activities, such as competition or leisure rides. The role may also involve monitoring horse health, reporting issues to veterinary staff, and helping with basic tack maintenance. Depending on the setting, Horse Riders may participate in events or client demonstrations, contributing to the overall success of the equestrian team.

Is $20,000 a lot for a horse?

For a horse rider, $20,000 can be considered a significant amount, as the cost of a horse varies widely based on breed, training, age, and purpose. High-quality riding horses, especially those with advanced training or competition experience, often cost more, while beginner or recreational horses may be less expensive. Additional expenses include equipment, training, and ongoing care, which should also be factored into the overall investment.
What are popular job titles related to Horse Rider jobs in Michigan? For Horse Rider jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Horse Rider jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Horse Rider jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Horse Rider job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,779 per year, or $15.8 per hour.
Equestrian Center Wrangler

Equestrian Center Wrangler

Boyne Resorts

Boyne Falls, MI

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Boyne Resorts rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 108 rated hotels


Job description

Overview

Few roles at Boyne Mountain put you closer to the natural beauty of northern Michigan than this one. As an Equestrian Center Wrangler, you’ll lead guests on trail and pony rides while providing daily care for our herd — a variety of horses — in accordance with Boyne Equestrian Center standards. This is a position for someone who is genuinely at home in the saddle, knowledgeable about animal care, and passionate about creating safe, memorable experiences for guests of all ages.

Everything we do at Boyne Mountain is guided by our core values — L.E.A.D.S.: Long-Term Thinking, Excellence in Execution, Attitude is Everything, Develop Great People, and Serve First. In this role, you’ll live those values every time you care for an animal, lead a family down a trail, or make a first-time rider feel completely at ease. As a Boyne Mountain team member, you’ll also enjoy ski passes, golf passes, waterpark passes, and discounts on food, beverages, retail, daycare, and much more.


Responsibilities
  • Serve First — Provide guests with a warm welcome and a safe, memorable riding experience. Assist with waiver completion and helmet fitting, deliver clear pre-ride orientations, match riders with appropriate horses, and guide mounting, stirrup fitting, and dismounting. Act as lead or drag rider on trail rides and lead pony rides with confidence and care. Communicate precise, friendly instructions throughout each ride to ensure safety, answer guest questions knowledgeably, and actively encourage repeat patronage.
  • Excellence in Execution — Groom and tack up horses for trail and pony rides according to Boyne Equestrian Center standards. Conduct tack and helmet safety checks before every ride and maintain accurate records in the Equestrian Log. Disinfect helmets consistently and ensure every horse and piece of equipment is guest-ready. Facilitate non-riding activities, including presentations of various horse related topices to a wide variety of guests. Report and complete proper documentation for tack, equipment, safety, and incidents for guests and staff.  May help in other areas as needed.
  • Long-Term Thinking — Provide safe, attentive daily care for all livestock: stock round bales, administer pelleted feeds and supplements according to the feeding chart, and ensure a clean water supply at all times. Perform daily welfare checks monitoring temperament, body and hoof condition, and signs of injury or illness. Administer routine treatments and basic first aid. Maintain and repair tack.
  • Attitude is Everything — Maintain cleanliness of all Equestrian facilities and equipment with consistency and pride: hand-muck corrals daily, clean lean-tos and pastures by hand and by machinery, clean feed buckets and tack areas, weed whip using proper PPE, and perform manual snow removal and sanding of key areas as needed. Periodically replace wood chips and fill dirt in corrals, pastures, and lean-tos. Hand-pick, drag, rake, and brush-hog pastures and trails. Whatever the task or the weather, you bring the same steady, capable energy.
  • Develop Great People — Share your knowledge of horsemanship and animal care with fellow team members and guests alike. Model safe handling practices and help build a culture where everyone on the team understands and upholds Boyne Equestrian Centre standards.

Qualifications
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Working knowledge of equine health, feeding, and behavioral principles
  • Comfortable working alone in a herd of horses
  • Comfortable leading guests solo on trail rides and pony rides, and confident in the saddle riding a variety of horses for up to 4 hours a day
  • Comfortable giving presentations on various horse-related topics
  • Able to work well independently as well as in a team setting
  • Possess good time management skills
  • Be responsible, have great communication skills, and have true passion for horses
  • Ability to follow specific feeding, handling, and grooming instructions for each individual animal
  • Ability to administer basic first aid to animals
  • Able to lift up to 65 pounds
  • Must be available to work weekends and holidays
  • Must be able to work long days outdoors with exposure to hot and cold temperatures and other inclement weather

If you’re a skilled horseperson who loves working outdoors, takes genuine pride in animal care, and wants to share that passion with guests every day — we’d love to have you in the saddle with us.

Qualifications:
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Working knowledge of equine health, feeding, and behavioral principles
  • Comfortable working alone in a herd of horses
  • Comfortable leading guests solo on trail rides and pony rides, and confident in the saddle riding a variety of horses for up to 4 hours a day
  • Comfortable giving presentations on various horse-related topics
  • Able to work well independently as well as in a team setting
  • Possess good time management skills
  • Be responsible, have great communication skills, and have true passion for horses
  • Ability to follow specific feeding, handling, and grooming instructions for each individual animal
  • Ability to administer basic first aid to animals
  • Able to lift up to 65 pounds
  • Must be available to work weekends and holidays
  • Must be able to work long days outdoors with exposure to hot and cold temperatures and other inclement weather

If you’re a skilled horseperson who loves working outdoors, takes genuine pride in animal care, and wants to share that passion with guests every day — we’d love to have you in the saddle with us.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

What Boyne Resorts employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Boyne Resorts logo

About Boyne Resorts

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Boyne Resorts, headquartered in Boyne Falls, Michigan, US, is a renowned leader in the resort industry. Offering a wide array of recreational, real estate, and retail products, Boyne specialises in providing memorable vacation and lifestyle experiences. The company's expansive portfolio includes ski and golf resorts, real estate developments, and other leisure-based businesses across North America. Founded in 1947 by Everett Kircher, it represents one of the most successful, privately-owned, multi-resort companies in the history of the leisure industry. Boyne Resorts is deeply committed to providing exceptional guest experiences, underpinned by values including innovation, integrity, passion, perseverance, and stewardship.

Industry

Traveler accommodation

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boyne Falls, MI, US

Year founded

1947